Friday, March 13, 2009

Champions League Team Of The Week - Round Of 16, Second Leg

The dust has settled, the final eight have been chosen, and now we wait with baited breath for the draw for the Champions League quarter-finals.
But which individuals earned their place in the sub after the second leg encounters this Tuesday and Wednesday?
This was one of the most difficult Teams of the Week in recent memory, with so many players performing to top standards. Narrowing it down to a squad of 21 was difficult; pruning that into a line-up of eleven was near enough impossible. Nonetheless, here is the Goal.com Champions League Team of the Week in a 4-4-2 formation.
GOALKEEPER
Manuel Almunia (Arsenal) – Arsenal were trailing 1-0 to Roma when Almunia kept his side in the tie with two key saves from Marco Motta and Rodrigo Taddei. Also denied Mirko Vucinic in the shootout as The Gunners sneaked through on penalties.DEFENDERS
Phillip Lahm (Bayern Munich) – Yes, yes, he's really a left-back, but Lahm covered so much ground and got so involved everywhere that he deserves a place out on the right for a dynamic showing.
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) – United's very own wall of steel. The Serbian defender is just getting better and better. Inter barely had a sniff against him.Martin Skrtel (Liverpool) – The Slovakian put in a tremendous shift against Liverpool at both ends of the pitch and must be commended for keeping his cool in the early stages.
John Arne Riise (Roma) – A true gladiator during Roma’s glorious exit. Moved into an unusual centre-back position after half-an-hour following Juan’s injury, and had his best-ever game in a Roma shirt. Won everything in the air and on the floor, not giving van Persie a kick.
MIDFIELDERS
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) – Along with team-mates Xavi and Yaya Toure, he dominated Lyon with swift passing, great movement, and tenacious closing down. The consummate midfield showing.
Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich) – Has had his detractors this season, but he was utterly majestic against Sporting and was a key member of the team that will be forever remembered as scoring seven in a Champions League knockout game.
Abou Diaby (Arsenal) – The only Arsenal outfield player to really perform up to standard in Rome. Diaby single-handedly held the midfield together, and was a tower of strength. Has the potential to be a world-class player in the future.
Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) – Used all of his experience to put Inter to the sword. The entire sport, not just United, will be the poorer when he opts to retire. For now, though, he's a potent European force.
FORWARDS
Thierry Henry (Barcelona) – When presented with golden opportunities, he took them. An evergreen performance from a player desperate to keep his critics quiet.
Fernando Torres (Liverpool) – Anyone who dared call him a one season wonder in England will surely recognise his class after a rampant showing against Real Madrid.

No comments: